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Truevine: An Extraordinary True Story of Two Brothers and a Mother's Love
Book
The year was 1899, as the old people told the story; the place a sweltering tobacco farm in...
ClareR (6106 KP) rated Circus of Wonders in Books
Mar 15, 2022
After reading The Doll Factory, I was on the look out for Elizabeth Macneal’s next book. Circus of Wonders has NOT disappointed me.
Elizabeth Macneal has described what it is like to be on the margins of society - an outcast because you don’t look the same as everyone else. Nell lives in a time where you are shunned for having birthmarks such as hers. She is considered to be bad luck, a curse. Not helped by the fact that her mother had died in childbirth. Her father constantly reinforces this, and won’t even touch her. Nell’s beloved brother is her sole comfort. He cares for her, and promises to take her with him when he marries.
But Nell’s father sells her to Jasper Jupiters Circus of Wonders. Jasper is a man who is hellbent on being a success, and thinks nothing of using Nell and others like her, to achieve greatness. Jasper and his brother Toby, are both survivors of the Crimean war, and clearly carry many secrets.
Themes such as exploitation, ownership, differences, power, sibling love, secrets, love and loss are central to this book.
Nell is a constant surprise. She goes from being a scared, vulnerable girl, to becoming the centre of attention, in control of all those who come to watch her. This is the other side to the P. T. Barnum story. We’ve probably all heard of ‘The Greatest Showman’, but there’s the other exploitative side that seems to have been brushed under the carpet. This book shows that side.
I loved this book, and I wouldn’t hesitate to tell you all to go out and buy it!
Elizabeth Macneal has described what it is like to be on the margins of society - an outcast because you don’t look the same as everyone else. Nell lives in a time where you are shunned for having birthmarks such as hers. She is considered to be bad luck, a curse. Not helped by the fact that her mother had died in childbirth. Her father constantly reinforces this, and won’t even touch her. Nell’s beloved brother is her sole comfort. He cares for her, and promises to take her with him when he marries.
But Nell’s father sells her to Jasper Jupiters Circus of Wonders. Jasper is a man who is hellbent on being a success, and thinks nothing of using Nell and others like her, to achieve greatness. Jasper and his brother Toby, are both survivors of the Crimean war, and clearly carry many secrets.
Themes such as exploitation, ownership, differences, power, sibling love, secrets, love and loss are central to this book.
Nell is a constant surprise. She goes from being a scared, vulnerable girl, to becoming the centre of attention, in control of all those who come to watch her. This is the other side to the P. T. Barnum story. We’ve probably all heard of ‘The Greatest Showman’, but there’s the other exploitative side that seems to have been brushed under the carpet. This book shows that side.
I loved this book, and I wouldn’t hesitate to tell you all to go out and buy it!
BethZ (6 KP) rated The Orphan's Tale in Books
Dec 25, 2017
Absolutely Must Read
I found this story to be very touching. Noa is a 16 year girl who was impregnated by a Nazi Officer and then thrown out by her father and forced to give up her baby. She finds herself living at a train station and working there cleaning when she discovers a railcar filled with Jewish babies. She decides to take one and runs into the woods with him, where she comes across a traveling circus who agrees to take her in as one of their aerialists. She meets Astrid, a rival at first, but bound by the secrets they each keep, forge an unforgettable friendship.
It is a beautiful story of loss, love, friendship, and loyalty set in a time when life was dangerous and difficult.
It is a beautiful story of loss, love, friendship, and loyalty set in a time when life was dangerous and difficult.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated A Promise of Fire in Books
Jan 1, 2020
Brilliant!
Contains spoilers, click to show
KINGDOMS WILL RISE AND FALL FOR HER...
BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Catalia "Cat" Fisa lives disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus. She is perfectly content avoiding the danger and destiny the Gods-and her homicidal mother-have saddled her with. That is, until Griffin, an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south, fixes her with his steely gaze and upsets her ...
Loved it from start to finish!
Constant action! Cat is fierce,Darcy and kick ass!!
She goes from strength to strength, being kidnapped to falling in love she bitches and gripes like a pro! I loved watching her evolve and find a family she never expected! The Greek gods and mythology are just an extra bonus. Amanda has each character perfect. Looking forward to book 2!
Highly recommended
BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Catalia "Cat" Fisa lives disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus. She is perfectly content avoiding the danger and destiny the Gods-and her homicidal mother-have saddled her with. That is, until Griffin, an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south, fixes her with his steely gaze and upsets her ...
Loved it from start to finish!
Constant action! Cat is fierce,Darcy and kick ass!!
She goes from strength to strength, being kidnapped to falling in love she bitches and gripes like a pro! I loved watching her evolve and find a family she never expected! The Greek gods and mythology are just an extra bonus. Amanda has each character perfect. Looking forward to book 2!
Highly recommended
Nichole Knight (6 KP) rated Animal Circus in Books
Jan 25, 2020
Definitely Not a Children's Story and It's Worth the Read
The first thing I thought of when reading this was George Orwell's Animal Farm ... However Batchelor's story can not be compared to that. It's own uniquely written work on circus animals who wish to find peace and freedom.
Even though the cover is bright, quirky, and inviting this book is not for children.
For a short story, it's very depressing from start to finish. I honestly wish there was more to the middle. And, the end left me wanting to know more, though it was a twist that I was not expecting!
For a short to the point story it's worth the time in reading.
((I won an ebook copy in a giveaway on Goodreads.com and this is my honest opinion.))
Even though the cover is bright, quirky, and inviting this book is not for children.
For a short story, it's very depressing from start to finish. I honestly wish there was more to the middle. And, the end left me wanting to know more, though it was a twist that I was not expecting!
For a short to the point story it's worth the time in reading.
((I won an ebook copy in a giveaway on Goodreads.com and this is my honest opinion.))
Hetty Feather
Jacqueline Wilson and Emma Reeves
9.0
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Book
ROLL UP and join Hetty on her escape from the Foundling Hospital. TREMBLE as she faces Matron...
Sugarlump and the Unicorn
Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks
Book
When Sugarlump the rocking horse wishes to see the world, a magical unicorn with a silver horn and...
A Promise of Fire
9.5
Rate It
Book
Catalia "Cat" Fisa lives disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus. She is perfectly content...
A Legacy of Spies
8.0
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Book
Peter Guillam, staunch colleague and disciple of George Smiley of the British Secret Service,...
Thriller Crime
Maddi Zoe (6 KP) rated The Greatest Showman (2017) in Movies
Feb 8, 2018
Soundtrack (phenomenal) (3 more)
Casting/Acting
Choreography
Cinematography
Best original musical in recent days
Michael Gracey’s slick new musical, The Greatest Showman, brings to life the imagination of P.T. Barnum and his creation of the first circus.
Inspired by the legend of P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman), The Greatest Showman follows Barnum in a pursuit to piece together a dream-like show.
The film follows the businessman as he desperately tries to support his wife (Michelle Williams), and daughters. However, the urge to make the shower better and better ultimately gets in the way of both his personal and family life.
Barnum knows exactly what he is looking for. He scouts several individuals who he believes are perfect for the show. Each and everyone of them, a spark or magic that completes the circus. His show includes; bearded lady, Lettie (Keala Settle), and ‘the shortest man in the world’, Tom Thumb (Sam Humphrey). Also, a partner in need (or to help his succeed)Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron).
The performers are part of a close family and stick together despite being ridiculed by the public. They are frequently humiliated and often labelled as 'freaks'. This brings a lot of emotion to the film. It encourages a lot of positivity in that it helps promote individuality and equality.
As a musical, The Greatest Showman comes packed with musical numbers. It features a number of brilliant vocal performers including the likes of Jackman, Settle, Efron and Zendaya (who plays a trapeze artist and pretty much most of the cast). The songs themselves are very moving, through joy or sadness. Many of the songs will also have your feet tapping to the beat! At points, you'll find yourself wanting to join in with the group!
Music is a powerful instrument which can often be emotive. The composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who also worked on the music for La La Land, and Trolls, hit the mark. The songs were outstanding and often bought a tear to the eye.
From the beautiful ballroom-esque dances of Jackman and Williams to the group dances by the circus family, the film was not short of magical moments. The camera angles were also spot on - from the beautifully shot symmetrical aerial shots to the moving steady cam shots.
Already nominated for three Golden Globes, The Greatest Showman is sure to be a hit with everyone. It is almost certain that it'll leave you feeling emotionally drained. On the more positive side, it may even inspire people to spread a little Christmas joy and happiness!
Inspired by the legend of P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman), The Greatest Showman follows Barnum in a pursuit to piece together a dream-like show.
The film follows the businessman as he desperately tries to support his wife (Michelle Williams), and daughters. However, the urge to make the shower better and better ultimately gets in the way of both his personal and family life.
Barnum knows exactly what he is looking for. He scouts several individuals who he believes are perfect for the show. Each and everyone of them, a spark or magic that completes the circus. His show includes; bearded lady, Lettie (Keala Settle), and ‘the shortest man in the world’, Tom Thumb (Sam Humphrey). Also, a partner in need (or to help his succeed)Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron).
The performers are part of a close family and stick together despite being ridiculed by the public. They are frequently humiliated and often labelled as 'freaks'. This brings a lot of emotion to the film. It encourages a lot of positivity in that it helps promote individuality and equality.
As a musical, The Greatest Showman comes packed with musical numbers. It features a number of brilliant vocal performers including the likes of Jackman, Settle, Efron and Zendaya (who plays a trapeze artist and pretty much most of the cast). The songs themselves are very moving, through joy or sadness. Many of the songs will also have your feet tapping to the beat! At points, you'll find yourself wanting to join in with the group!
Music is a powerful instrument which can often be emotive. The composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who also worked on the music for La La Land, and Trolls, hit the mark. The songs were outstanding and often bought a tear to the eye.
From the beautiful ballroom-esque dances of Jackman and Williams to the group dances by the circus family, the film was not short of magical moments. The camera angles were also spot on - from the beautifully shot symmetrical aerial shots to the moving steady cam shots.
Already nominated for three Golden Globes, The Greatest Showman is sure to be a hit with everyone. It is almost certain that it'll leave you feeling emotionally drained. On the more positive side, it may even inspire people to spread a little Christmas joy and happiness!